…approved Master training farms in 10 states with 43 active apprentices, 18 graduates, and 241 candidates for apprenticeship. NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and…
USDA Helps Military Veterans Learn Skills for Farming and Ranching Careers
…of farming, from starting seeds and cultivation to running a successful farm business. Participants visited farms in the region to understand the various business models and hear from farmers –…
Vibrant Purple Sweet Potatoes are a Healthful Thanksgiving Surprise
…the California crop – 16,000 acres – is grown in Merced County, on farms ranging from 5 acres up to several thousand acres. In 2015, the crop’s value in Merced…
Census of Ag Helps Farmers Influence Future Policy
…of all farms, ranches, and the people who operate them. The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, and expenses.” The last Census of Ag…
Turkey Farmers Feel Pain from GIPSA
…hours after the announcement, Plainville Farms of Pennsylvania presented its farmers with updated contracts that required the producers to make costly upgrades to their operations or accept a cut in…
Oregon Representative Releases Alternative Farm Bill
…and local production, as well as research that benefits smaller farms. Blumenauer was joined at the news conference by several Democratic Representatives who have endorsed his bill. Connecticut’s Rosa DeLauro…
Almond Board: Farmland Trusts
In this week’s Almond Update, we hear about one farmer’s decision to place an agricultural conservation easement on his property. Sabrina Hill talks with Tom Ulm, president of Ulm Farms…
Delay Sought for Reporting Farm Air Emissions
…to delay a mandate that farmers report certain air emissions from manure on their farms. In April, a federal court, ruling on a lawsuit brought by environmental activist groups against…
Water Managers Prepare for New Rainfall Season
…part of the water management culture here.” In Yuba County, Brad Foster, who farms along the Feather River north of Marysville, said he is still tending to his walnut orchard…
USDA Invests in Integrated Pest Management for Increased Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to bring safer, more effective pest management approaches to farms and communities. “Insects, weeds,…
Soilless Production Falls Under Organic Certification
…nutrients to grow plants, along with aquaponics, which uses hydroponic techniques combined with fish farms, will both continue to be recognized under organic certification. There are roughly 100 hydroponic operations…
Ag Groups Ask Trump to Implement Farmer Fair Practice Rules
…our market prices, dictating much of what happens on our farms and ranches,” says Johnson. “We’re urging the president to take the first step in addressing these abusive practices by…
USDA Invests $2.5 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure
…smart grid projects. Three North Carolina companies – Gamble Solar, LLC; Wadesboro Solar; and Salisbury Solar – are receiving a total of $14.1 million to build solar photovoltaic energy farms…
Farmers Applaud Move to Reform Tax Code
…“We are long overdue for a permanent tax code that recognizes the unique financial challenges farmers and ranchers face in managing their businesses and keeping their farms running from one…